Arm Cover for Arm Fracture

What is a broken arm?

A broken arm is a crack or break in one or more of the bones in arm. Broken arms, also known as arm fractures, are often caused by an impact injury, such as from a fall or collision.

A simple arm fracture is usually treated with a splint or cast, however, a complex fracture may require surgery. With proper treatment, broken arms can heal completely. Children typically regain full use of their arm within a couple weeks after their final cast is removed.

Non-surgical treatments for a broken arm

Casts and splints

Splints and casts immobilize injured bones to promote healing and reduce pain and swelling. They are sometimes put on after surgical procedures to ensure that the bone is protected and in the proper alignment as it heals.

Splints are used for minor breaks. Splints support the broken bone on one side and immobilize the arm to promote bone alignment during healing. Splints are often used in emergency situations to hold a joint in a steady position while a child is transported to a medical facility.

Casts are stronger than splints and provide more protection to the injured area. They hold a broken bone in place while it heals by immobilizing the area above and below the joint.

Some common types of casts for broken arms include:

• Short arm casts extend from the elbow to the hand and are used for forearm or wrist fractures or to hold the arm in place after surgery.
• Long arm casts extend from the upper arm to the hand and are used for upper arm, elbow, or forearm fractures. They are also used to hold the arm in place after surgery.
• Arm cylinder casts extend from the upper arm to the wrist and are used to hold the elbow muscle and tendons in place after a dislocation or surgery.

Traction and closed reduction

Traction corrects broken or dislocated bones by using a gentle and steady pulling motion to stretch muscles and tendons in a specific direction around the broken bone. This allows the bone ends to align and heal, and in some cases, it reduces painful muscle spasms.

Closed reduction is a nonsurgical procedure used to reduce and set the fracture. Using an anesthetic (typically given through an IV in the arm), the doctor realigns the bone fragments from outside the body and holds it in place with a cast or splint.

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